Kirkwood High ACT Scores Surpass State Average

ACT scores are above state averages in every category, according ACT, Inc.

The average composite score for Kirkwood seniors who graduated in 2011 was 24.3 compared to the state average of 21.6.

Test scores were the highest they've been in English, math and science since 2007. Testing information before 2007 is not available at this time.

Ginger Fletcher, director of community relations and development for the district, presented the information to school board members Monday.

"These results clearly show the level of preparedness that our students have when entering the collegiate world," Fletcher said. "This is a tremendous success for the students, faculty and staff of the district, and we should be very excited about these results."

ACT scores for the 2011 graduating class increased Kirkwood High School’s average ACT composite test score by seven-tenths of a point over 2010 results, according to a statement released by the Wednesday.

All curriculum subgroups increased from 2010, with the greatest boost coming from math and science portions of the test, the statements says. Seventy-seven percent of eligible seniors took the test.

Awards and Honors

At Monday's meeting, Fletcher also reported to board members that the school's yearbook, The Pioneer, and student newspaper, The Call, received first place honors from the National Scholastic Press Association in excellence.

Additionally, KHS science teacher Robert Becker is one of the three finalists for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy's annual Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Becker, the Missouri Teacher of the Year for 2010-11, is a finalist for an award "exemplifying the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching," according to Fletcher.